On November 5, 2024, the Arizona State Sun Devils had an intense season opener on their home court at Desert Financial Arena, facing off against Idaho State. Known for their strong defensive capabilities, Arizona State did not disappoint, narrowly winning 55-48, marking a promising start to the season.
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Arizona State (1-0, 0-0) used an effective defensive strategy to hold Idaho State (0-1, 0-0) to a shooting percentage of just 25.4%, their lowest in over a decade. The game also marked the debut of two highly anticipated freshmen, Joson Sanon and Jayden Quaintance, who received much attention from both head coach Bobby Hurley and fans, shining brightly in their first game.
Historic Defensive Strategy
The Sun Devils not only held Idaho State to a low score (48 points) but also limited their three-point shooting to just 14.3%. This is the lowest three-point percentage Arizona State has forced since 2022. Statistics show that this was only the third time since 2000 that Idaho State was held under 50 points, showcasing Arizona State’s solid defensive approach.
Coach Bobby Hurley commented after the game: “We still have a lot to improve, but I am very proud of how the players fought and defended in this opener.”
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Standout Performances on the Court
During the game, three Arizona State players reached double-digit scores. Veteran guard Alston Mason led with 14 points and nailed two successful three-pointers. BJ Freeman, with his strong play off the bench, scored 12 points and nearly achieved a double-double with eight rebounds. Freshman Joson Sanon also showed his prowess by scoring 11 points and making three assists.
Despite facing challenges with certain passes and blocks, Arizona State’s lineup coordinated effectively to secure victory over Idaho State. Alston Mason’s standout plays in the final minutes helped the Sun Devils maintain their advantage and close out the game in thrilling fashion.
Team Cohesion and Integration of New Players
Arizona State currently has many new additions to the lineup, including freshmen and transfer players. Guard Alston Mason shared that building cohesion with new teammates has been a significant challenge, but with dedication and guidance from Coach Hurley, the team is gradually finding their chemistry. During the game, Freeman and Mason executed many impressive plays, contributing decisive points for the team.
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Game Highlights
- First Half: The Sun Devils led Idaho State 31-20, highlighted by an impressive point streak thanks to Mason and Freeman’s three-pointers. This was also when Arizona State achieved an 11-0 run, their largest point differential of the game.
- Second Half: Joson Sanon continued to score with a three-pointer from beyond the arc. BJ Freeman demonstrated his strength on both ends of the court, from defense to counterattacking points, helping ASU maintain their lead.
Although Idaho State closed the point gap toward the end, Freeman and Mason’s smart and decisive plays ensured Arizona State’s victory. The final score of 55-48 underscored the Sun Devils’ relentless effort, especially in defense.
Opening Win Streak at Home
This marks the ninth consecutive home opener victory for Arizona State under Coach Bobby Hurley. Their home opener wins average 79.3 points scored and only 64.9 points allowed, showcasing their solid defensive style. Arizona State also maintains a lead in the matchup series against Idaho State since 1957, with the current head-to-head score standing at 5-1.
The Road Ahead
Arizona State will continue the season with a game against Santa Clara on November 8, hoping to extend their winning streak. This game also presents an opportunity for younger and new players to continue integrating and improving their performance.
The Arizona State Sun Devils have kicked off the season with an impressive victory, not only with a win but also with an effective defensive strategy. Although there is still much to work on, this victory is a positive sign, promising an exciting and successful season for Sun Devil fans.
